Imagine a presidential candidate is accused of fathering a child out of wedlock! Oh, yeah, we had that with John Edwards and Rielle Hunter. Only this candidate admitted paternity, the child was named after his best friend and he still was elected the 22nd president of the United States! The story of this scandal and others form the foundation of Book 8 of 2012, Charles Lachman’s A Secret Life: The Lies and Scandals of President Grover Cleveland. The book claims to reveal for the first time the true story of Maria Halpin the young woman, who according to the book was raped by the future president, give birth to a son, had her baby taken away from her and finally was thrown in an insane asylum when she tried to get the child back. While the book may be a little short on proof on all that went on it is still a fascinating read. It is easy reading and provided a look into the politics of 1880’s, as Cleveland rose for a one term sheriff of Buffalo, to governor of New York, and then candidate for President. He was even supported by several staunch Republicans! Needless to say, I don’t think he’d have a chance of getting elected in today’s political arena!!
For me one of the most interesting aspects of the book was the acceptance of the
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forty-nine year old Cleveland’s marriage to 22 year old Frances Folsom, the daughter of his late best friend Oscar Folsom. Cleveland had known and doted on Frances from the time she was a little girl, climbed on his knee, and called him “Uncle Cleve”!!
The book also touches on his sister Rose’s time serving as First Lady prior to Clevelands marriage and her secret sex life. As well as, Cleveland’s secret cancer operation.
So if you enjoy history, a little on the light side, then this is a book for you. Through out the 1884 campaign, the cry was “Ma. Ma, Where’s my pa!” , when Cleveland won the phrase was turned into “Ma Ma Where’s my Pa, went to the White House, ha,ha,ha!”. I don’t think that would happen today!
